2008-2009 Budget Overview
On Tuesday, May 20 voters approved the 2008-2009 budget and all four propositions on the ballot. Fred Hutchinson also was elected to a five-year seat on the Board of Education. The Chatham Central School District would like to thank everyone who took the time to come out and vote. Listed below is an overview of the items that voters approved.
2008-2009 School Budget
The 2008-2009 school year budget was approved by a vote of 492 to 356. The budget totals $26,548,591, an increase of 2.29 percent, or $594,575. The budget calls for a 4.12 percent increase in the overall tax levy.
To read details of the budget, please click here to download a .pdf of the budget newsletter that was sent to district residents.
Proposition #1 – Capital Project
Voters approved a $6,035,000 Capital Project by a vote of 423 to 413. The Capital Project will address primarily safety issues and code requirements at all three school buildings. With the help of $456,014 in EXCEL Aid from the State, this referendum will have no additional impact on the tax rate when the debt service begins.
To see a list of the planned improvements, please click here.
To see a PowerPoint presentation (in .pdf format), please click here.
Proposition #2 – Capital Reserve Fund
Voters approved the creation of a Capital Reserve Fund to help the district finance future construction projects by a vote of 435 to 389. Voters will decide at future budget votes as to whether or not the district should put money in the fund. The maximum amount of money that can be put in the fund is $3,500,000 over the 10-year life span of the fund.
Proposition #3 – Elective Terms of Board Members
Voters approved a change to the length of terms for Board of Education members by a vote of 640 to 191. Instead of 5-year terms, Board members elected in future elections will serve only 3-year terms. This change was in response to a voter survey last year where residents said they preferred shorter terms for Board members.
Proposition #4 – School Bus Purchases
Voters approved the purchase of two new school buses at a total cost of $189,500 by a vote of 482 to 357. The bus purchases are part of the district’s bus replacement plan. The new buses will replace buses that are 11-years-old, keeping with the recommendation from the state Department of Transportation to replace buses transporting students at 100,000 miles or 10 years.
If you have any questions about the budget or propositions, please contact School Business Administrator Diane Malecki by e-mail or by calling 392-1511.
HOME OF THE PANTHERS
50 Woodbridge Avenue
Chatham, NY 12037
518-392-2400
